ENGAGEMENT SESSION GUIDE
THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION IS ONE OF my favorite parts of our time together because it gives both of you a chance to be in front of my camera before you get married, which is going to make your wedding day experience feel so smooth, seamless and comfortable. Not only that, but we get to create something so special together. You’re going to be married for years, but you only get to be engaged for this short period of time and I'm super excited to document this time for you.
More than documenting y'alls love for each other, I love getting to know y'all!!!
I CAN'T WAIT TO HELP YOU FIND THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION!!!
The first thing to decide is whether you’d like to feature nature or an urban setting in your session. You will see throughout this guide, my couples will choose a location that shows off the beauty of the upstate, an urban setting, or something in between.
Let me know what kind of look you’re looking for and I’ll send you examples of locations in and around the area I do my engagement sessions.
I’m always up for exploring a new spot together.
selecting the right location
I am a NATURAL LIGHT SPECIALIST BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT NATURAL light, from the sun and its reflections, creates photographs that are timeless and true to you as a couple. I begin all engagement sessions an hour and a half before sunset or right at sunrise.
Remember, the sun sets much earlier during the colder months of the year and much later during the warmer months, so make sure to factor that in when choosing your engagement session date, especially if you’re taking time off work or have evening plans afterward.
To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive at least ten minutes early. I am only able to shoot when natural light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down.
choosing a date and time
planning your engagement session
I love traveling and can often be found traveling with my family on the weekends. I’ve done engagement sessions in a lot of places in the southeast so if I’m already going to be in or near an area you’ve always dreamed of doing your photos, and we can coordinate our schedules, let’s set it up! I’d love to make it work!!
If you’d like me to meet you in a destination outside of Spartanburg or a nearby city for your engagement session where I don’t already have plans to visit, just let me know and I can get you a custom travel quote.
Thinking about somewhere outside of the upstate for your engagement session?
destination engagement sessions
Don’t forget, your ring will be center stage, so give yourself permission to get it cleaned and your nails done, too!
a little extra polish
Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images. Choose one or two accessories that don’t compete for attention. Fresh florals in a crown or bouquet can be a really romantic touch as well.
statement accessories
Professional hair and makeup is on the top of a lot of my brides’ checklists because it looks amazing and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. Whether it’s blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream.
pro hair & makeup
When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright/neon, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown, black, and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your fiance’s, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match.” You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family.
coordinating looks and colors
Most of my brides who choose two outfits will bring one dressier feel, and then another more casual “us on a date” feel. If you want to bring two dressier and forgo the more casual dress altogether, give yourself permission to do it! The camera loves runway-esque apparel and so do I! Remember, though, you don’t have to bring two looks if it’s too stressful or you’d rather just stick to one fabulous look. One outfit that you love will be so much better than one outfit you love and another you’re not very excited about. So, one or two? It’s really up to you!
choosing a second look
Have you thought about rocking a gown, tulle skirt or flower crown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your engagement session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to add a new permanent piece to your collection, you could always check out Rent the Runway because you don’t have to spend a lot to feel like a million bucks. Plus, you can send the outfits back when the session is over. But you may also love having a great excuse to bring a new permanent piece (or two!) you’re your closet!
Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! I recommend avoiding shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress or two! Know I want you to feel beautiful so dress how you feel most like you, and most beautiful!! Jeans and cute tops are always a favorite too!!!!
say yes to the dress
style tips for her
Although it might seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do NOT get a spray tan before your session, not even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully.
skip the spray tan
Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when we say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
TRY THE LAYERED LOOK
Long pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on the face you fell in love with. Suit pants, dress pants or colored pants work best. Dark denim works great too. Brown or black leather dress shoes compliment almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp compliments to any suit. If you bring two suits to the session, you can start with a traditional necktie and belt, then switch to suspenders and a bow tie for your second look. If two suits are too stressful, no problem! One look will do the trick! You can still mix and match accessories to compliment both of her dresses without doing a full change during the session. So, either way, you win.
IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS
If he decides to go with a suit don’t be scared to mix a suit coat, blazer or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and can be more fun than wearing two full suits in a row. I’m a big fan of this fresh take on a timeless classic.
OR, LET HIM MIX IT UP
From James Bond to Don Draper, men look most striking in a well-tailored suit. If he doesn’t have one, now’s the perfect time to invest in something he’ll wear for the rest of his life! The best part? It’s a lot less expensive than you might think! While custom suits can cost thousands of dollars, some of the most well-known brands have off-the-rack suits in their stores for a fraction of the price. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. If he’s not a suit kind of guy that’s perfectly okay!! Just like I want you to feel your best I want him to feel like his best too!!
DAPPER AND DEBOUNAIR NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE
style tips for him
Don’t forget to plan a dinner date or an ice cream date… any kind of date. You’re already going to be all dressed up! Why not take advantage of it? I know the wedding planning process can feel all-consuming, so take some time after the session just for the two of you to relax and have some fun together.
Take time to enjoy being dressed up.
after your session
Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots
Outfit two (including shoes and accessories)
Touch-up makeup
Water bottle (for warmer sessions)
Coat or cover-up (for colder sessions)
Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots
Outfit two (including shoes and accessories)
Touch-up makeup
Water bottle (for warmer sessions)
Coat or cover-up (for colder sessions)
Email me and let’s get your engagement session scheduled!
Review guide for style tips
Schedule hair and makeup appointments if you want.
Choose your outfits.
Get your nails done.
Clean your ring.
Pack a bag with:
Pick a fun post-session date night spot.
Let’s have so much fun!
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Email me and let’s get your engagement session scheduled!
Review guide for style tips
Schedule hair and makeup appointments if you want.
Choose your outfits.
Get your nails done.
Clean your ring.
Pack a bag with:
Pick a fun post-session date night spot.
Let’s have so much fun!
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your engagement session checklist
I know I just gave you a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your engagement session experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years and years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future marriage is the most important thing to me, and I want your engagement session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. And I’ll take care of the rest!
an important note
Most men aren’t overly excited to take photos for an hour or more, because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you. Take fifteen minutes to educate and empower your guy. Tell him why you chose me and my style of photography. Show him your three favorite sessions that I’ve done, explain why you love them and express to him how much it means to you. Trust me, he’ll light up the camera for you! The most common thing I hear from guys before engagement sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t think they’ll be good at it. By the time I’m done, though, they can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!
Preparing your man for the session
one final preparation step
